Editor's Choice

Charities

Whilst ever-improving connectivity makes the world seem a smaller place, merchant seafarers, who are typically spending 9-12 months away from home and surrounded by water, may tend to disagree. This time away from home and land has and always will be an accepted part of a career at sea, but for the charity Sailors’ Society, improving communication lines for these people is one of its missions. Daniel Barnes spoke to Sailors’ Society CEO, Stuart Rivers about the charity’s new found position as a ‘digital platform provider’ following the recent launch of a new smartphone app which will help link 28 welfare organisations together in the palm of your hand.

The ASSF Grant Programme - Offering both practical and financial support to help in the delivery of inspiring sailing programmes across the world, ASSF’s grant programme is expected to reach £600,000 of pledged funds by the end of 2016.

There are few institutions across the global maritime community that garner greater respect and admiration than DGzRS – the Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger, also known internationally as the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service. Patrolling Germany’s coastline since 1865, the team of fulltime personnel and devoted volunteers that make up DGzRS continues to save people from distress at sea.